Kabobs Inn
Riding a small wave of Pike restaurants under new management, the Kabob Inn has very recently undergone a change of ownership. Once up the stairs to the dining room (the take-out section is on the street level next door) the somewhat gloomy décor from its even earlier incarnation as an Italian eatery is still in evidence, but the warm welcome from the new owner and the nicely appointed linen covered table in a cozy but well air-conditioned corner after a midday walk in the heat soon make us comfortable. Glasses of cold ginger ale in hand and we are happy campers.
We are off to a promising start with a trio of sauces (raita, lime chutney and an unidentified sweetish red sauce) and a complementary appetizer of Seekh Kabob, described on the menu as tender rolls of ground beef, mildly spiced with fresh coriander, skewered and grilled in a flaming charcoal clay oven. Absolutely delicious, tender and redolent of toasted coriander. And absolutely to be shared if you want to save room for dinner. The accompanying side order of pappadums, light and spicy lentil wafers, are some of the best ever, one crunch and they melt in your mouth.
The menu is extensive with Tandoori Charcoal Barbecues of chicken , beef, lamb or salmon, seafood vindaloo curries, and Biryani specialties. Although a carnivore’s Mecca, there are excellent vegetarian options available. These include starters of crispy vegetable samosas and pakoras, and entrees of Daal, Channa and various Paneers, and Korma, vegetables in a mild creamy sauce. All should be accompanied by the warm and puffy tandoori breads. Lots of dipping and sopping is involved.
We opt to try the Lamb Chops Tandoori and the Chicken Masala. Three crispy crunchy lean lamb chops atop a bed of lightly sautéed onions arrive and are immediately demolished. The Masala is tender and lightly spiced. These are accompanied by a large bowl of fluffy and delicately flavored rice and a basket of warm naan.
Much more than a kabob house, this restaurant brings new and different flavors to the Pike and will be warmly welcomed to the neighborhood. There is a great reputation in the making here!
No alcohol is served, but the assortment of cooling Lassis (yoghurt drinks), Masala tea, sodas and juices complement the food admirably.
Parking has always been a challenge in the tiny lot holding this and a couple of other businesses. The new owner assured us that he has designated spaces, but these are not many and diners should beware the evil towing company that has preyed on this part of the neighborhood for lo, these many years.
Location: 3207 Columbia Pike
Web Address: Kabobs Inn